A new report by Israeli legal and gender experts alleges that Hamas used sexual violence as part of a “deliberate genocidal strategy” during the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel. The report, published by the Dinah Project an all-women group comprising legal scholars, prosecutors, and judges claims that the violence was systematic and intended to terrorize and dehumanize Israeli society.
Drawing on firsthand accounts from a survivor of an attempted rape, 15 former hostages, forensic evidence, and testimonies from first responders, the report outlines incidents of rape, gang rape, sexualized torture, and forced nudity. It asserts that Hamas used these acts as tactical weapons during the assault that killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.
Hamas has repeatedly denied accusations of sexual violence. However, a March 2024 UN inquiry found “reasonable grounds” to believe such violence occurred during the attacks and captivity. Additionally, three senior Hamas leaders were accused by the International Criminal Court of crimes against humanity, including rape and torture, before being assassinated by Israel.
The Dinah Project report highlights numerous disturbing incidents: at least four cases of gang rape, multiple rapes and assaults, and forced nudity of both female and male hostages. Six hostages also reported threats of forced marriage. Much of the evidence emerged from locations such as the Nova music festival, Route 232, and several kibbutzim.
According to the authors, many victims were either killed or too traumatised to testify. To address the evidentiary challenges, the report offers a novel legal framework for prosecuting sexual violence as a weapon of war especially in mass atrocity contexts where individual perpetrators are hard to identify.
The report concludes by asserting that justice is critical not only for victims but to reinforce international legal norms. “Sexual violence in conflict is a grave violation of international law,” the authors note, calling on the global community to ensure such crimes are met with accountability rather than impunity.
